THE House Committee on Justice will continue sending invitations to Vice President Sara Z. Duterte throughout the duration of the impeachment hearings, as it seeks to give her full opportunity to answer the allegations against her, panel chair Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro of Batangas said Tuesday.
Luistro noted that, as of now, there has been no word from Duterte’s camp on whether she will attend the formal hearing set to begin tomorrow (Wednesday).
“Wala tayong nare-receive about the possibility of the Vice President attending our hearing tomorrow,” Luistro said.
Despite this, the panel will keep its doors open.
“Hangga’t hindi nakatapos ‘yung hearing proper, we will keep on sending invitation to her so that at any point of the entire hearing proper she can actually come,” Luistro added.
Luistro stressed that the proceedings are designed to ensure that the respondent is given ample opportunity to present her side and challenge the accusations.
According to the justice chair, the hearing proper is a crucial stage where both parties can lay down their evidence and where the vice president can directly respond to the issues raised against her.
“It should be the parties themselves who should lay down their respective evidence,” she said.
Luistro underscored that the invitation is not merely procedural but is meant to allow Duterte to defend herself, especially in light of the seriousness of the allegations.
“If you’re claiming innocence, you should take advantage of all opportunities to prove your innocence,” Luistro said.
She pointed out that the questions surrounding the vice president—ranging from the use of confidential funds to other issues—have been lingering for years and deserve answers.
“I think it’s about time na marinig na ng taong bayan ang kasagutan ng ating Vice President,” Luistro said.
The House leader emphasized that the impeachment process is anchored on fairness and due process, with the committee ensuring that the respondent is given every chance to be heard.
“This is a significant opportunity for her to challenge the complaint,” she added.
Luistro also reiterated that even if Duterte does not attend the initial hearing, she may still appear in subsequent proceedings, as the panel continues to extend invitations throughout the process.
At the same time, she stressed that public expectation for answers remains high, as the impeachment proceedings move into a critical phase.
“I believe that a huge number of Filipinos wanted to hear the answer of the Vice President,” Luistro said.
